Hardware/software capability rating system

ABSTRACT

Techniques and tools for rating computer products are described. For example, software ratings are based on subjective evaluations to determine computer system requirements for a positive user experience, while a computer running a capability tool rates a computer system&#39;s (or hardware component&#39;s) ability to run software. A capability rating for hardware is determined by comparing a set of features and performance results with capability rating requirements. In another aspect, a capability rating is communicated using a standardized presentation. In another aspect, capability rating level requirements are proposed (e.g., by a ratings board) and then finalized. A capability rating level is determined for computer products (e.g., by a testing organization) based on the finalized requirements and analysis of the products (e.g., by a computer running a capability tool). In another aspect, a software system comprises an inventory module, a performance testing module, and an inventory and performance evaluator module.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patentfiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to techniques and tools for ratingcomputer product capabilities or requirements and for matching computersoftware requirements with computer hardware capabilities.

BACKGROUND

Matching system requirements of software with the specifications of thecomputer system on which it will be used is essential to ensure properfunctioning of the software on the system. This is especially true forapplications that place significant demands on the computer system, suchas computer games and computer-assisted drafting tools. Purchasingsoftware for use on a computer system currently requires anunderstanding of the system requirements of the software and technicaldetails of the computer system. Unfortunately, the average consumer isoften unable to match software requirements to system specifications dueto the level of technical knowledge required.

A significant portion of software places great demands on the computingresources of even the newest computer systems. Furthermore, users ofresource-intensive applications upgrade their PCs more frequently thanthose who do not. Therefore, the ability of consumers to match softwarerequirements with system specifications is important to PCmanufacturers, component manufacturers, software manufacturers, andhardware and software retailers.

The entertainment software market provides an example of the effects ofsoftware requirements/system specifications matching problems facing PChardware and software manufacturers today. Games created for consoleplatforms (e.g., Sony Playstatione® 2, Nintendo® GameCube, or Microsoft®Xbox) tend to have more consistent sales volumes than games created forgeneral-purpose personal computers in part because, with a betterguarantee of matching software requirements with system specifications,customers are more willing to buy console titles. Keeping the PCecosystem vibrant for both games and other performance demandingapplications requires a system that enables consumers to purchase suchapplications with the same surety provided by the game consoleplatforms.

Previous attempts to categorize computer systems were based only on alist of required components for a system. In the 1990s, the MultimediaPC Marketing Council introduced the Multimedia PC (MPC) specificationsto provide PC specification guidelines for consumers wishing to runmultimedia applications. For example, to achieve the Level 1 MPCspecification, a computer system was required to have a processor, RAM,hard disk drive, CD-ROM drive, sound card, and video display withcertain characteristics.

Previous attempts to categorize software include Microsoft's “Designedfor Windows 95” logo program. Software vendors were granted permissionto use Microsoft's “Designed for Windows 95” logo if the vendors metcertain software design requirements set by Microsoft. The designrequirements ensured that software carrying the logo would workeffectively and reliably in a Microsoft Windows 95 operating systemenvironment.

Whatever the benefits of previous techniques, however, they do not havethe advantages of the techniques and tools presented below.

SUMMARY

In summary, the described techniques and tools facilitate assigningratings to computer products based on the capabilities of computerhardware and the requirements of computer software.

In one aspect, a computer system's ability to run software applications(or a computer hardware component's ability to function in a computersystem running software applications) is rated. The rating facilitatesmatching of software application requirements with computer systemcapabilities. An inventory of the computer system (or computer hardwarecomponent) is performed, yielding a set of features. The inventory caninclude an inventory of system components and features of thecomponents. Performance is tested, yielding performance results for theset of features. The set of features and the performance results arecompared with a required set of features and required performancecriteria, and a capability rating (e.g., an integer number) isdetermined based on the comparison. The capability rating can be basedon a lowest rating among components of a system or features of acomponent. The capability rating can be further based on a category ofsoftware applications (e.g., entertainment, computer-assisted draftingsoftware, operating system software, image processing software, etc.).The capability rating can be associated with a vendor identifier for thecomputer system. The rating process can be performed in an operatingsystem environment of the computer system as a feature of the operatingsystem environment.

For example, a computer running a capability tool rates a computersystem's ability to run software applications. The capability tool canbe a software program downloaded for execution locally or run from aremote computer via a web interface. Capability rating requirements canbe obtained locally from the computer system or over a network from adatabase. Capability rating requirements can be obtained from a devicedriver signature for a computer hardware component.

In another aspect, communicating a capability rating for a computerproduct (e.g., a hardware product or software product) involvesassigning a capability rating to the computer product. The assigninginvolves associating a standard presentation of the capability ratingwith the computer product. The capability rating is determined by acomputer-executed capability tool. The associating can be performedunder a licensing agreement.

While systems and hardware components are rated based on an objectiveset of tests, software ratings are based on largely subjectiveevaluations performed by the software vendor, determining whatcapability level is required from a computer system to provide apositive user experience with the software product. In some aspects, thesoftware vendor may choose to provide several capability requirementlevels, comprising a minimum rating, a recommended rating, and a“works-best” rating. Thus the consumer can determine not only if thesoftware will work adequately on their computer system, but also if itwill work exceptionally well.

In another aspect, proposed capability rating level requirementscomprising computer system performance criteria are created, andfinalized capability rating level requirements are then created (e.g.,by a ratings board comprising voting members) based on the proposedcapability rating level requirements to establish one or more capabilityrating levels. A capability rating level is determined (e.g., by atesting organization) for one or more computer hardware devices based onthe finalized capability rating level requirements and analysis of theone or more computer hardware devices. The analysis is performed on acomputer running a capability tool. In some embodiments, analysis of theproposed capability rating level requirements is received (e.g., from areview group) prior to creating the finalized capability rating levelrequirements, and the finalized requirements are further based on theanalysis of the proposed requirements.

In another aspect, proposed rating levels for software applications arecreated based on computer system performance requirements for runningthe software applications on a computer system. Analysis of proposedrating levels is received and finalized rating levels are created basedon proposed rating levels and the analysis. A finalized rating level isassigned to software applications based on computer-executed performancetesting of the one or more software applications. The finalized ratinglevel matches a capability rating level assigned to the computer system.In some embodiments proposed rating levels are based on performancetesting of the one or more software applications.

In another aspect, a software system for rating a computer system'sability to run software applications comprises an inventory module, aperformance testing module, and an inventory and performance evaluatormodule. The inventory and performance evaluator module compares a set ofcomputer system features obtained by the inventory module, performanceresults obtained by the performance testing module for the set ofcomputer system features, and rating level requirements comprising arequired set of features and required performance criteria. Theinventory and performance evaluator module determines a rating level forthe computer system based on the comparison. The software system candisplay rating information (e.g., via a graphical user interface)including, for example, rating level requirements, rating levels ofindividual components in the computer system, recommended computersystem upgrade information, and/or a comparison of the performanceresults and the rating level requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment forimplementing capability rating system tools.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a technique for assigning a capabilityrating to a computer hardware device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary arrangement by which computerusers can access a capability tool via a network.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a technique for deciding capabilityrating level requirements.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary arrangement for decidingcapability rating level requirements.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary arrangement for rating ofcomputer products by testing organizations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques and tools for implementing a capability rating system aredescribed. The techniques and tools expedite the process of matchingsoftware requirements with computer system specifications. Thetechniques and tools provide a capability rating system that allowsprospective purchasers of all knowledge levels to confidently purchasesoftware for a PC, and to understand the value they would receive frompurchasing new PC components or a new PC capable of running a broaderset of applications.

Consumers, hardware vendors, and software vendors will benefit fromtechniques and tools that allow a person with a limited understanding ofcomputer system capabilities and software requirements to make informedsoftware and hardware purchases. The described techniques and tools helpconsumers by, for example, allowing them to purchase demandingmultimedia software applications (e.g., games, CAD programs,photo-editing programs, feature-rich operating systems, etc.) withouthaving an unsatisfactory experience due to substandard performance ontheir PC.

Consumers can use capability ratings on software or hardware todetermine if their computer system is becoming substandard for theapplications they wish to use. Consumers then can use capability ratinginformation to make an accurate determination of what capability levelto seek in a new system purchase or system upgrade. For example,computer games often require a high level of computer capabilities andperformance. Computer game players can use capability rating informationto determine the best computer system or component for a game they wishto play, or to find a computer game well-suited to the capabilities oftheir current system.

Different capability rating systems can be used for different kinds ofapplications. For example, a low rating on a sound card might reduce acapability rating for games, but might not reduce a capability ratingfor running CAD applications, where sound is less important toapplication performance.

The described techniques and tools help OEMs by, for example, instillingin consumers increased confidence in the quality of purchased PCs, andincreasing motivation to purchase new PCs through consumer desires forkey entertainment and other applications. Consumers may purchasehigher-end PCs (which typically have higher profit margins thanlower-end systems) because of a desire for and increased ability torecognize the value of more highly capable systems. Further, since thecapability rating system clarifies software compatibility, the burdenplaced on customer support resources by frustrated customers is reduced.

Similarly, the described techniques and tools help IHVs by, for example,encouraging consumers to purchase more high-end components as part ofnew higher-end PC sales or through PC component upgrades. Furthermore,the described techniques and tools help software manufacturers through,for example, increased consumer purchasing confidence, increased salesof software that typically comes bundled with new PC purchases (e.g.,operating systems, personal productivity software, and utilities), and,similar to OEMs, a reduction of the burden on customer supportresources.

Accordingly, the described techniques and tools allow hardware andsoftware vendors to communicate, in a simple and easily understoodmanner, capability ratings for computer hardware and software. Thedescribed techniques and tools, individually or in combination, include(but are not limited to) the following features:

1. Capability tools (e.g., for OEMs or end users)

2. Metrics board for proposing and deciding rating level requirements

3. Metrics review group for reviewing proposed rating level requirements

4. Standardized rating presentation for hardware (systems andcomponents)

5. Standardized rating presentation for software

Capability tools facilitate assigning capability ratings to computerproducts. For example, in some embodiments, a computer user can use acapability tool to determine a capability rating level for a computersystem. In other embodiments, a computer hardware vendor, such as a PCmanufacturer or PC component manufacturer, can use a capability tool todetermine capability rating levels for its products. There are severaldifferences between capability tools and benchmarking applications,these differences are made apparent from the descriptions and examplesherein.

In some embodiments, criteria for assigning capability ratings aredetermined by a board comprising voting members. The board proposescapability rating level requirements and receives feedback on theproposed requirements from a review group. After receiving feedback, theboard decides on capability rating level requirements, which can then beused to assign capability ratings of various levels to computer hardwareor software.

In some embodiments, a standardized rating presentation is used toassociate computer hardware or software with capability ratings. Forexample, a rating presentation indicating the capability rating (e.g.,an integer number) for a product is used by hardware manufacturers undera licensing agreement. Standard presentations can include several ratinglevels. For example, the software presentation can include a minimumrating level, a recommended rating level, and/or a “best experience”rating level.

Some embodiments of the described techniques and tools operate in anoperating system environment. For example, an operating systemenvironment running on a PC includes a capability tool which facilitatesdetermining a capability rating for the PC.

I. Computing Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates a generalized example of a suitable computingenvironment 100 in which some of the described techniques and tools maybe implemented. FIG. 1 also illustrates a generalized example of apersonal computer system configuration and hardware components that canbe evaluated using a capability rating system. The computing environment100 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use orfunctionality of described embodiments, which may be implemented indiverse general-purpose or special-purpose computing environments.

With reference to FIG. 1, the computing environment 100 includes atleast one processing unit 110 and memory 120. In FIG. 1, this most basicconfiguration 130 is included within a dashed line. The processing unit110 executes computer-executable instructions and may be a real or avirtual processor. In a multi-processing system, multiple processingunits execute computer-executable instructions to increase processingpower. The memory 120 may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache,RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), orsome combination of the two. In some embodiments, the memory 120 storessoftware 180 implementing capability rating system tools.

A computing environment may have additional features. For example, thecomputing environment 100 includes storage 140, one or more inputdevices 150, one or more output devices 160, and one or morecommunication connections 170. An interconnection mechanism (not shown)such as a bus, controller, or network interconnects the components ofthe computing environment 100. Typically, operating system software (notshown) provides an operating environment for other software executing inthe computing environment 100, and coordinates activities of thecomponents of the computing environment 100. In some embodiments,operating system software includes capability rating system tools.

The storage 140 may be removable or non-removable, and includes magneticdisks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, or any othermedium which can be used to store information and which can be accessedwithin the computing environment 100. In some embodiments, the storage140 stores instructions for the software 180 implementing capabilityrating system tools.

The input device(s) 150 may be a touch input device such as a keyboard,mouse, pen, trackball, or game controller, a voice input device, ascanning device, a digital camera, or another device that provides inputto the computing environment 100. The output device(s) 160 may be adisplay, printer, speaker, or another device that provides output fromthe computing environment 100.

The communication connection(s) 170 enable communication over acommunication medium to another computing entity. The communicationmedium conveys information such as computer-executable instructions,audio or video information, or other data in a modulated data signal. Amodulated data signal is a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia include wired or wireless techniques implemented with anelectrical, optical, RF, infrared, acoustic, or other carrier.

The invention can be described in the general context ofcomputer-readable media. Computer-readable media are any available mediathat can be accessed within a computing environment. By way of example,and not limitation, within the computing environment 100,computer-readable media include memory 120, storage 140, communicationmedia, and combinations of any of the above.

The invention can be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as those included in programmodules, being executed in a computing environment on a target real orvirtual processor. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc.that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or splitbetween program modules as desired in various embodiments.Computer-executable instructions for program modules may be executedwithin a local or distributed computing environment.

II. Capability Rating System

As explained above, the described techniques and tools allow computerhardware and software manufacturers to communicate the value of theirproducts to consumers and stimulate more frequent computer hardware andsoftware purchases. The described techniques and tools, individually orin combination, include (but are not limited to) the following features:

1. Capability tools (e.g., for OEMs or end users)

2. Metrics board for proposing and deciding rating level requirements

3. Metrics review group for reviewing proposed rating level requirements

4. Standardized rating presentation for hardware (systems andcomponents)

5. Standardized rating presentation for software

A. Capability Rating Levels

A capability rating level represents the capability of the rated item toperform functions for which the rated item is designed. For example, thecapability rating of a computer system represents the capability of thecomputer system to run software applications.

The capability rating of a computer system is typically a function ofthe capability ratings of its components. However, it may not benecessary to increase ratings for all components of a system in order toincrease the rating for the system as a whole. In some embodiments, acapability rating level is determined (e.g., by a capability tool) usinga “weakest link” analysis—the capability rating level for a system isdetermined by identifying the component within the system having thelowest capability. For example, the capability rating level for acomputer system is determined to be “3” by finding that the componentwithin the primary device set of system with the lowest capability has acapability rating level of “3.” The “weakest link” analysis also can beapplied to determining capability ratings for PC components, bydetermining the feature of the component with the lowest capability.

FIG. 2 shows a technique 200 for determining a capability rating for acomputer system or component. At 210, an inventory is taken of thecomputer system or component. For example, when determining a capabilityrating for a computer system, a capability tool takes an inventory ofcomponents in a computer system that are relevant to the capability ofthe system to run software applications and, in addition, takes aninventory of features of components within the computer system.

At 220, the features and the performance of the computer system orcomponent are evaluated to determine a rating. A capability rating isdetermined based on a required set of features with a required level ofperformance. For example, a capability rating for a graphics componentmay require the component to have a graphics chip capable oftransforming 1,000,000 generic polygons per second and require a certainlevel of overall graphics performance for the component. A graphicscomponent may not qualify for the capability rating if it has a graphicschip capable of transforming the required number of generic polygons persecond but is not able to transform that many polygons with a specificset of features turned on.

Finally, at 230, a capability rating is assigned to the system orindividual component based on the inventory and the evaluating of thefeatures and performance.

B. Capability Tools

Capability tools are tools for assigning capability rating levels tocomputer products. For example, in some embodiments, a computer user canrun a capability tool on a PC to determine a capability rating level forthe system. In other embodiments, an OEM, IHV or testing lab can use acapability tool to determine capability rating levels. Capability toolsfor OEMs, IHVs and testing labs include a more extensive set of testingtools, while capability tools for most consumers include fewer testingtools and run more quickly than capability tools for OEMs, IHVs andtesting labs. However, capability tools for consumers wishing to performmore robust testing of computer systems can include a full set oftesting tools.

Capability tools analyze computer hardware and use results of theanalysis in combination with capability rating level data to determine acapability rating level (e.g., an integer number) for the hardware.Capability rating level data can be accessed from a database (e.g., anonline database). Or, capability rating level data can be provided witha computer system or component (e.g., embedded in a device driversignature). A capability tool can be accessed or downloaded over anetwork, accessed locally (e.g., as a feature of an operating system ona computer system to be rated), or provided to a user of the tool byother means (e.g., by distribution on a CD-ROM or othercomputer-readable medium).

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary arrangement 300 in which one or more computerusers can access a capability tool 310 at a remote computer 315 via anetwork 320. In addition to the capability tool 310, the remote computer315 also may have capability rating level data 325 (e.g., in adatabase), which the capability tool can use to determine capabilityratings for a computer product. Alternatively, capability rating leveldata is at another location (e.g., within the capability tool itself, orin a device driver signature of a hardware component). A computer usercan use capability tool 310 by connecting to remote computer 315 andrunning the tool from the remote computer (e.g., via a web interface).Or, a computer user can download capability tool 310 and run the toollocally. In some embodiments, a capability tool is available at awebsite of a computer hardware or software manufacturer for use by usersor retailers of the manufacturers' products. In particular, an onlinecapability tool can be useful for retailers providing PC upgradeservices. In other embodiments, a capability tool is available onanother website for use by a manufacturer.

A computer user can access the capability tool 310 from a variety ofcomputing devices connected to network 320 via a wired connection (e.g.,via an analog telephone line connection, DSL connection, cable modemconnection, or some other wired connection) or a wireless connection,and/or via some other network. For example, a computer user can accesscapability tool 310 via a desktop computer connected to a local network,such as desktop computers 330-332 connected to local network 335. Or, acomputer user can access capability tool 310 via a desktop computer thatis not connected to a local network, such as desktop computer 340. Acomputer user can also access capability tool 310 from computing devicessuch as portable laptop computer 350, hand-held computer 360, or someother computing device, such as a computing device with cellulartelephone functionality or other functionality.

Capability tools can provide information to a user of the tool regardingthe system or component being rated. For example, in some embodiments,in addition to providing a capability rating, a capability tool fordetermining a capability rating for PC can display (e.g., via agraphical user interface) capability level requirements for one or morecapability levels, capability ratings for components of the PC, and/or acomparison of the PCs features and performance with those needed toreach one or more capability levels (e.g., showing how PC specificationsexceed or fall short of requirements for a given capability level).Capability tools for consumers can differ from capability tools forvendors in terms of the amount and nature of information they display.Capability tools for vendors, for example, may contain additionaltechnical details regarding component and feature inventories andperformance results. For example, a capability tool for use by acomponent manufacturer may include technical performance data anddetails on how to improve a component's capability rating.

In some embodiments, a capability tool provides upgrade information to auser of the tool. For example, a capability tool that has determined thecapability rating of a computer system to be “3” can provide informationon how a user of the computer system could upgrade the system to reach acapability rating of “4” (e.g., by upgrading a “weakest link” componentwith a rating of “3” to a rating of “4”).

Capability tools can use tools such as Microsoft's DirectX Diagnostics(DXDiag), DirectX Caps Viewer, or Display Conformance Test (DCT) orbenchmarking tools to perform or assist in performing certain functions,such as taking inventory of components or component features, or testingperformance of systems or components.

C. Capability Rating Level Requirements: Decision-making

In some embodiments, criteria for assigning capability ratings aredetermined by a board comprising voting members. The board proposescapability rating level requirements and receives feedback on theproposed requirements from a review group. After receiving feedback, theboard decides on capability rating level requirements, which can then beused to assign capability ratings of various levels to computer hardwareor software.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a technique 400 for decidingcapability rating level requirements. At 410, level requirements areproposed by a decision-making entity. At 420, the decision-making entityreceives feedback (e.g., comments on the proposed requirements) andanalyzes the feedback. At 430, the decision-making entity determineswhether to finalize the level requirement (e.g., whether to end thefeedback process and issue actual level requirements to be put intoeffect for a rating system). If the decision-making entity chooses notto finalize the requirements, the entity can propose additional orrevised level requirements and receive feedback on those proposedrequirements. If the decision-making entity chooses to finalize therequirements, the entity provides (at 440) the level requirements totest organizations, which can assign appropriate capability ratings tothe hardware or software based on the level requirements. Alternatively,a decision-making entity can employ different techniques for deciding onrating level requirements. For example, the decision-making entity maynot receive feedback on requirements before deciding on actualrequirements to be provided to testing organizations. Or, thedecision-making entity can employ additional procedures, omitprocedures, or perform procedures in a different order.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary arrangement 500 for deciding capability ratinglevel requirements. A board 510 constructs proposed requirements 520 forone or more capability rating levels. The board 510 sends the proposedrequirements 520 to a review group 530, which considers the proposedrequirements 520 and provides feedback 540 to the board 510 regardingthe proposed requirements 520. The board considers the feedback 540 anddetermines whether to decide on final requirements 550 for the one ormore capability rating levels. The board can also revise the proposedrequirements 520 and present new proposals to the review group 530 forfurther consideration. When the board 520 decides on final requirementsfor the one or more capability rating levels, the board presents therequirements to testing organizations 560. Alternatively, requirementscan be decided upon by different entities, by a different arrangement ofentities, or using different procedures. For example, the board 510 maynot, in some cases, receive or consider feedback from the review group530, or the board may provide requirements to manufacturers rather thanto testing organizations.

Testing organizations can use capability rating level requirements totest computer hardware or software and assign appropriate capabilityratings to the hardware or software. For example, FIG. 6 shows anexemplary arrangement for rating of computer products by testingorganizations. Product vendors 610 provide products 620 to testingorganizations 630. The testing organizations test the products and usethe capability rating level requirements to provide capability ratings640 for the products 620. The product vendors 610 can then sell ratedproducts 650 to purchasers 660.

In some embodiments, a board comprises a set of OEM and ISVrepresentatives, who can propose and/or decide on rating levelrequirements. OEM representatives can include representatives ofmanufacturers of major PC brands (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Sony,Hewlett-Packard, etc.). ISV representatives can include representativesof software manufacturers involved in producing software that makessignificant demands on PC resources (e.g., entertainment softwaremanufacturers such as Electronic Arts, Atari, Microsoft, Activision,etc.). The board also can receive information and comment from IHVsregarding the rating level requirements and relevant capabilities ofplanned IHV products. In some cases, IHVs can participate in boarddecisions or act as board members; in other cases, confidentiality orconflict of interest issues may prevent participation on the board byIHV representatives or other representatives.

The board can decide on the requirements of new rating levels at regularintervals (e.g., one new rating level per year). For example, at annualmeetings, the board could convene for a week of half-day meetings, withremaining time spent by members conferring with interested partiesregarding issues relevant to setting rating level requirements.Following the meetings, the board can approve a draft specification fora rating level, and submit the draft specification to a review group forcomment. Received comments can be distributed to board members forconsideration and discussion, and can be incorporated into futureproposed requirements or a final set of requirements. Final requirementscan be issued in a variety of ways (e.g., by publication on a publiclyavailable website, or by providing them directly to manufacturers ortesting organizations).

Board decisions can be made by a majority vote of board members.However, the board can make decisions in other ways. For example, aboard also can comprise a leadership group of voting members to workwith OEM and ISV representatives. The leadership group can facilitatedecision-making by, for example, reserving the right to make a finaldecision on contentious issues on behalf of the board.

The board also can be described as a metrics board, capability ratingsboard, etc.

As explained above, the review group can examine proposed requirementsand provide feedback to the board for consideration. The review processcan be iterative, proceeding until closed by the board or until someevent occurs (e.g., a time limit is reached). In some embodiments, thereview group comprises a broader set of OEM and ISV representatives, aswell as IHV representatives. OEM and ISV representatives can includerepresentatives of the companies described above with reference to theboard, or can come from other companies. IHV representatives can includerepresentatives from companies such as Intel, AMD, nVidia, ATI, Matrox,S3, Via, Trident, Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS), 3DLabs, CreativeLabs, etc. Diverse representation in the review group encourages broadindustry participation and ensures the effectiveness and acceptabilityof the capability rating system and its requirements.

Once the requirements of a rating level are determined, products can betested by one or more testing organizations, such as Microsoft's WindowsHardware Quality Labs (WHQL), to determine capability levels for theproducts. Testing organizations can use a capability tool to determinecapability ratings. Typically, testing organizations will use acapability tool with a full set of testing tools, rather than a simpler,consumer-oriented capability tool. The capability level for the productand its technical information and descriptions can be added to adatabase used by other capability tools. For example, technicalinformation for a graphics accelerator card and its associatedcapability level can be added to a database accessed by capability toolsused by end-users to determine capability ratings for their PCs. In someembodiments the capability level for the product is associated with avendor ID for the product.

D. Standardized Capability Rating Presentation

To associate hardware with capability ratings that are assigned to them,a standardized rating presentation can be placed on computer hardware.In some embodiments, a rating presentation indicating the capabilityrating (e.g., an integer number) for a product is used by hardwaremanufacturers under a licensing agreement (e.g., an agreement with anentity that has set capability rating level requirements and implementedthe presentation of rating levels in a standardized format). Thelicensing agreement can require, for example, that the component orsystem must have been tested by an approved testing organization toverify the rating level. The standardized rating presentation allowsconsumers to use capability ratings when determining which computersystem or component to purchase, based on their desire to runapplications that require or recommend certain capability levels.

Similarly, ISVs can use a standardized rating presentation for softwarefor their products. In some embodiments, the standardized ratingpresentation for software is virtually identical to the hardwarepresentation to help consumers recognize and match capability ratingsfor hardware and software. The standardized rating presentation forsoftware may also be used under a license agreement. Such an agreementmay further require, for example, that software products using therating presentation conform to other standards. For example, the licenseagreement may require the software to fulfill requirements for runningthe software on a particular operating system (e.g., Microsoft's WindowsXP application logo requirements).

The software presentation can include several rating levels. Forexample, the software presentation can include a minimum rating level, arecommended rating level, and/or a “best experience” rating level.Having several rating levels in the presentation allows consumers withdifferent expectations of performance to select software that works bestfor them. Furthermore, having rating levels such as a “best experience”rating level can encourage consumers to purchase system upgrades.

III. Implementation as Operating System Features

Some of the tools and techniques described above can be implemented asoperating system features. For example, in some embodiments, anoperating system includes a capability tool for determining a capabilityrating for a PC running the operating system, or for a component of thePC. The capability tool also can update capability ratings for the PC orPC components when the PC is upgraded, or when new capability ratinglevel requirements are determined.

Having described and illustrated the principles of our invention withreference to described embodiments, it will be recognized that thedescribed embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail withoutdeparting from such principles. It should be understood that theprograms, processes, or methods described herein are not related orlimited to any particular type of computing environment, unlessindicated otherwise. Various types of general purpose or specializedcomputing environments may be used with or perform operations inaccordance with the teachings described herein. Elements of thedescribed embodiments shown in software may be implemented in hardwareand vice versa.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of ourinvention may be applied, we claim as our invention all such embodimentsas may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims andequivalents thereto.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A method of communicating a capability rating for acomputer product, the method comprising: assigning a capability ratingto the computer product, wherein the assigning comprises associating astandard presentation of the capability rating with the computerproduct, and wherein the capability rating is determined by acomputer-executed capability tool.
 19. The method of claim 18 whereinthe associating a standard presentation of the capability rating isperformed under a licensing agreement.
 20. The method of claim 18wherein the standard presentation of the capability rating comprises aninteger number representing the capability rating.
 21. The method ofclaim 18 wherein the standard presentation of the capability ratingcomprises a minimum capability rating and a recommended capabilityrating.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein the computer product is acomputer hardware product.
 23. The method of claim 18 wherein thecomputer product is a computer software product. 24-47. (canceled)
 48. Asoftware system for rating a computer system's ability to run softwareapplications, wherein the rating facilitates matching of softwareapplication requirements with the computer system's capabilities, thesoftware system comprising: an inventory module; a performance testingmodule; and an inventory and performance evaluator module; wherein theinventory and performance evaluator module compares: a set of computersystem features obtained by the inventory module; performance resultsobtained by the performance testing module for the set of computersystem features; and rating level requirements, wherein the rating levelrequirements comprise a required set of features and requiredperformance criteria; and wherein the inventory and performanceevaluator module determines a rating level for the computer system basedon the comparison.
 49. The software system of claim 48 furthercomprising a graphical user interface for displaying rating information.50. The software system of claim 49 wherein the displayed ratinginformation includes rating level requirements.
 51. The software systemof claim 49 wherein the displayed rating information includes ratinglevels of individual components in the computer system.
 52. The softwaresystem of claim 49 wherein the displayed rating information includes acomparison of the performance results and the rating level requirements.53. The software system of claim 49 wherein the displayed ratinginformation includes recommended computer system upgrade information.